I was recently caught shoplifting from a military exchange. I was shoplifting for a couple months and returning the items without a receipt in order to get store credit. I was doing this to use the credit to purchase food, gas, toiletries, and necessities, because we are very tight on money. Anyway, as I should have assumed, my stupid plan failed and I was caught. I was very cooperative and forthcoming to the loss prevention personnel and I sincerely regret my actions. I asked them what the procedures were and they simply handed me a civil recovery notice and said they are still investigating and will turn everything over to the military legal office and they will handle it from there.
I am so scared, I have no idea was is going to happen. Will this stay on my permanent record? Will I have to go to court? Also, is the loss prevention personnel allowed to charge me for an incident that happened months ago? I was under the impression that if you are not caught during that incident, you cannot be charged for it.
Nevertheless, I am so worried, and I want to know what the procedures are and what is going to happen to me. I plan to pay the civil recovery fee and be as cooperative as possible. I deeply regret my actions and want to pay and move on with my life. Please help!

